ATOS/ESA face to face assessment next week, need help!

greenkid247

Thank you for the advice, deleting this thread.

greenkid247

Thank you for the advice, deleting this thread.

rogerblack

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf is a detailed description of the ESA process.
It contains the descriptors against which you are assessed.

My assessments were professionally conducted in manner.

Both mental and physical issues are explored in the assessment which is from the first till the last time the assessor sees you.

Being in a wheelchair does _NOT_ automatically entitle you to ESA.
However.
Looking at the descriptors - beginning on page 17, and making assumptions that your legs are fully paralysed.
You do not get 15 points for mobilisation - as you can use your unpowered chair to move 50m without significant discomfort or exhaustion - several times during the day.
You get 9 points because you cannot get up 2 steps without assistance even using your chair.
You get no points for 'standing and sitting' - because you can sit without discomfort, and move from one seat to an adjacent seat without help. (If this is not the case - 15 points).
You get no points for any of the other manual descriptors (Assuming your arms and spine work properly)
You may gain points if you have continence problems due to your paralysis.

Your only likely entry to the support group would be if you can't move between adjacent seats without help.
This is neglecting your other issues.
Considering only your mobility - if the 'can't climb steps'=9 points is the only way you score in mobility - you need 6 points from somewhere else.
This could be anything from 'At least once a month has an involuntary episode of significantly disrupted concentration' to 'cannot raise either arm above head height as if to reach for something'.

greenkid247

Thank you for the advice, deleting this thread.